Today I did something I haven’t done before. Something I didn’t think I’d try to accomplish on my own. The kids really wanted to go, so I consented. I gave in to the begging and I took all three kids swimming. by myself. I did the “single parent” thing at the pool. alone.
Now, lets review, shall we? Okay, it is me, alone, at a pool with a nine year old who is fine in the water on her own, a five year old who needs constant attention and a two year old who clings to me like an octopus with 8 legs. My sister in law has tried it before with her three kids – she refers to it as a “controlled drowning”.
Yep. That was me tonight – almost under but not quite.
We survived. And, by God’s grace another family who we are friends with was there and the mom helped me out. She held my two year old while my five year old jumped in to me. And she caught my five year old when I could not get my two year old to un-suction herself from my hip. All in all we survived and I do believe everyone will sleep well tonight.
My evening is really a picture of my whole week. Almost under but not quite. Treading water fairly well, but barely catching my breath other times. Little things popping up, surprising me, catching me off guard… it all adds up and I’ve found myself weighed down, trying to stay afloat.
But earlier today, in a few quiet moments with the Lord, I found myself calling out, “Throw me a line!” My heart was desperate. And of course, He was ready and able to rescue me. I read the words from 1Chronicles ; it is a song that David sang when he had been delivered.
8 Oh, give thanks to the LORD!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!9 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!10 Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!11 Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!12 Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,13 O seed of Israel His servant,
You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!14 He is the LORD our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.
When I hear this song and recall His faithfulness, my heart is lifted and I find the help I need. There is nothing more buoyant for my drowning soul than the combination of His goodness and my gratefulness…
Thank you Heavenly Father for continuing the rescue effort on my heart and soul. You are for too good to me, giving me hope and peace when I need them the most. amen.
daily portion 